Due to Knotts Island’s remote location and the intensity of the fire, crews had to draw water from the nearby ferry dock.

Riley says the family thankfully escaped the home when they heard smoke alarms going off.

“One of the things I’d like to stress is that smoke detectors saved lives today. The smoke detectors did their job, alerted the occupants. Smoke detectors are your best friend,” Riley said.

Riley says the fire department always pushes to make sure families not only have a smoke detector, but also ensure that it’s working.

“One of the problems with house fires is smoke inhalation and the components in smoke. Smoke is a poisonous gas with carbon monoxide and all kinds of dangerous chemicals. The smoke will kill you before the fire does,” he said.

The family displaced by the fire spoke with 10 On Your Side off camera. They told us the smoke detector that alerted them to the fire was installed a little over a month ago and was given to them by the Knotts Island Volunteer Fire Department for free.

The family says the Knotts Island Market is also accepting donations to replace lost items.